If you love science fiction and/or fantasy, and also the Victorian era, then it’s a bit surprising that you haven’t already discovered the wonderful world of steampunk. But perhaps you’ve heard of it? Steampunk—getting more popular every day—is a genre that, while established almost 30 years ago, has in the past several years grown almost exponentially in popularity. Movies like Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes or Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, or books like The Golden Compass are good examples of this retro-techno mashed-up genre where Victorian technology meets space travel.

For those readers already familiar or those new to the genre and just curious, Steampunk : An Illustrated History Of Fantastical Fiction, Fanciful Film And Other Victorian Visions by Brian J. Robb is an excellent place to either brush up or get a start in exploring this wonderfully inventive style. A grand, illustrated history of the counterculture movement in a book fittingly designed to reflect the genre aesthetic in package and artwork. This comprehensive work covers the genre’s history from the fastest dirigible and steam-powered ray guns to fashionistas Lady Gaga and Alexander McQueen, with loads of amazing and informative pictures and illustrations. Fire up the gaslight and read well past your bedtime!